Baker Act and Marchman Act petitions will be accepted and processed at the Clerk’s Probate/Mental Health office from 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

BAKER ACTThe purpose of the Baker Act Petition is to initiate the Baker Act proceeding for emergency pickup and evaluation for persons who are mentally ill and refuse to seek treatment and are a danger to themselves and others.

The Petition can be filed by a person(s) who has first hand knowledge of the situation. If the Petitioner is a blood relative or spouse you will need one witness. If there is no spouse or blood relatives you will need at least two witnesses.

All Baker Act cases are confidential and filed on an emergency basis. When the Judge signs the Order for Involuntary Examination the Respondent is picked up by the Sheriff's Office and delivered to the Lakeview in Pensacola for evaluation. The remaining court process is handled through the Circuit Court.

MARCHMAN ACT (Substance Abuse)The purpose of this Petition is to obtain a Court Order for substance abuse treatment when the Respondent has refused to voluntarily receive care. The Petition may be filed by one family member or three citizens of Florida.

The Marchman Act cases are confidential. Once the Judge hears the case and has signed the Order, the Respondent is scheduled for an appointment with {} for evaluation and recommended treatment.

ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICESThese Petitions are filed by the Department of Children and Families when the Department has reason to believe a disabled or elderly adult is being neglected, abused or exploited and the person lacks the capacity to consent to services being granted. A Court Order allows the Department of Children and Families to provide services to the disabled or elderly adult.

NOTE: The forms supplied by the Clerk's office are general in nature and may not meet your specific needs. The Clerk does not guarantee the legal sufficiency of these forms; therefore, you may need to consult with an attorney regarding your particular situation.

Under Florida law, email addresses are public records. If you do not want your email address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.